Prediabetes, insulin and weight: how they connect
Prediabetes rarely causes symptoms but is an important warning sign. What insulin resistance means, why weight matters and what you can do yourself.
- prediabetes
- insulin
- metabolism
In short
With prediabetes, blood sugar is raised but not yet in the diabetes range. Insulin resistance is often behind it: cells respond less to insulin, so the pancreas has to release more.
Lifestyle changes with exercise, a balanced diet and, where needed, weight reduction can clearly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, as large prevention studies show.
What insulin has to do with weight
Insulin moves sugar from the blood into cells and promotes energy storage. Belly fat in particular is closely linked to insulin resistance: it is metabolically active and can worsen insulin action further.
That easily becomes a cycle. Higher insulin levels make fat storage easier, and more belly fat increases resistance. The good news: even moderate changes can slow this cycle.
What you can do
- Move regularly; short walks after meals count
- Build muscle, because muscles use sugar
- Swap sugary drinks for water or unsweetened tea
- Choose wholegrains, pulses and vegetables over white flour
- Get enough sleep
- Have your blood sugar checked regularly, e.g. HbA1c
What about medicines?
Prediabetes alone is not an approved indication for weight-management medicines. If overweight with related conditions or obesity is also present, GLP-1 treatment may be an option. Whether that applies to you is assessed in the medical review of your questionnaire.
Note
This Journal article offers general information. It is not a diagnosis, a prescription or a promise of any result. Whether treatment is suitable for you is decided by a doctor after reviewing your questionnaire. For acute or severe symptoms, contact your GP, the out-of-hours medical service (116117) or, in an emergency, 112.
Sources and medical review
Based on the German National Disease Management Guideline on type 2 diabetes, the German S3 obesity guideline and the Diabetes Prevention Program. Medical review pending.
- German National Disease Management Guideline: Type 2 diabetes
- Knowler WC et al. (Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group). Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med 2002
- German S3 guideline on prevention and treatment of obesity